28.01.2025. Bridges, sheet piling, shoring, and jetties—these essential civil engineering structures come in all shapes and sizes. Sustainability requirements for materials used in such projects are becoming increasingly strict. Among these materials, wood is recognized as a particularly eco-friendly choice, but its environmental impact heavily depends on its origin.
Photo © FSC Netherlands
FSC® certified wood, supported by a rigorous control system and passionate individuals, showcases how sustainability can truly be a "work of art."
Responsible Forestry: The Foundation of FSC
At the heart of sustainable forestry lies the FSC certification system, which ensures that every piece of wood can be traced back to responsibly managed forests. This process, known as 'chain of custody', requires all entities in the supply chain to be FSC-certified, ensuring the authenticity of the timber origin.
The Forest Manager: Interholco
Photo © IMAGEO
Timothy Schellens, Sales representative of FSC-certified forest manager Interholco, emphasizes the company's mission:
"Responsible forest management has always been the starting point for our company. We believe that the best way to protect the forest is to add value to it, to harvest wood, but of course in a sustainable way. Choosing FSC as the world's highest standards was therefore a logical step for us."
A Case in Point: IJ Boulevard
Photo © INTERHOLCO
For the IJ Boulevard project in Amsterdam, the municipality chose FSC-certified tropical timber, using nearly 100 m³ of Azobé from Africa and Angelim Vermelho from South America. This decision aligns with Amsterdam's procurement policy, which prioritizes sustainability.
Biologist and researcher Joeri Zwerts presented findings at an open-air lecture, demonstrating that FSC forest management helps protect endangered species like gorillas and forest elephants.
Beyond protecting biodiversity, Timothy Schellens highlights the broader social and ecological benefits of FSC certification:
"Responsible forest management means communicating with local people. What is important to them in the forest, which trees or parts of the forest should be considered for harvesting? Sustainable forest management also creates jobs and gives local people access to electricity, clean water, and medical facilities."
The Timber Trade and Contractors
Photo © INTERHOLCO
The FSC-certified timber from Interholco was supplied to GWW Houtimport, whose director, Arjan de Jong, reinforces the value of FSC certification:
"For several years now, we have only bought FSC-certified timber because we regularly visit the forest areas ourselves. And make no mistake about the social value of FSC. In FSC-certified sawmills and forests, working conditions and safety are first class—workers have proper gear, fair pay, and healthy working hours. This is often quite different from non-certified companies."
The certified wood was then used by Benecke Aannemingsmij in Zaandam for the IJ Boulevard. According to Marc Greep, project manager for main contractor Gebr. Van Kessel, this choice reflects the company’s sustainability goals:
"We have a sustainability target to be emission-free by 2030 and 100% circular by 2040. Using FSC-certified wood in our projects is a natural part of that."
Tracking Progress in Civil Engineering
Photo © INTERHOLCO
FSC Netherlands annually evaluates the use of certified timber in 200 projects from municipalities, water boards, and other clients.
Ultimately, as Timothy Schellens acknowledges:
"FSC forest management has very strict ecological and social rules, and at the same time it has to be economically viable for you as a company. This feasibility depends on whether there is sufficient demand for timber certified sustainable. That is why it is important that contracting parties such as municipalities take their responsibility and ignore non-certified wood."
FSC-certified timber is much more than a material—it’s a pathway to preserving ecosystems, supporting local communities, and building responsibly for the future.
About Interholco
The valorisation of a natural forest of 1.16 million hectares in the Republic of Congo Brazzaville is our DNA here at INTERHOLCO. As an FSC® (Forest Stewardship Council®, FSC® C022952) and PEFC and PAFC certified producer, INTERHOLCO is a well-established player in the trade of its edged boules, sawn timber, glue laminated scantlings, decking boards and more.
We are a leading provider of high-quality wood products ‘Made in Africa’ holding a verified environmental and health performance statement (FDES requirement in France). Our teams carefully manage the supply chain from forest to customer. Our story is fully illustrated by enabling the people living in Ngombe to access better life conditions. We make it possible to design and build a healthy living environment with bio-based, eco-friendly materials, one of the real solutions for the planet and climate. Follow us on LinkedIn
Communication contact Interholco
Tullia Baldassarri Höger von Högersthal
INTERHOLCO AG, Neuhofstr. 25, 6340 Baar, Switzerland
Tel.: +41 (0)41 767 03 82
E-mail: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
